POLICE have turned to the public after a stolen car was found damaged and abandoned at a North Yorkshire beauty spot.

The dark blue Volkswagen Golf was stolen from Westlands, Stokesley, after thieves entered an unlocked property and stole the keys.

It was taken between 7.45am and 10am last Friday, February 28, and was found abandoned and damaged at the Sheep Wash, near Osmotherley, next day.

PC Chris Parker-Beagrie said: “This was an opportunist burglary through an unlocked door and it’s possible that the persons responsible were checking out the area or calling door-to-door in the run up to the burglary.

“I would like to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious people in the area on Friday morning or had any cold callers at their door, to contact me.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who can recall the car being driven around between Friday and Saturday morning. Perhaps someone you know suddenly appeared with a new vehicle and now it’s gone again.”

Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for PC Chris Parker-Beagrie or email chris.parker-beagrie@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.